Category Archives: USDA

farmer share of SNAP expenditures?

Posted on May 24, 2013 by admin

Recently, a doctoral student asked for the source of the research that underlies the following statement: “In general, research shows that about 20 cents of every SNAP dollar spent on food ends up in the pocket of American farmers.” (Undersecretary … Continue reading →

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updated statistics on beginning farmers

Posted on February 16, 2013 by admin

The Economic Research Service recently published a brief with updated statistics on beginning farmers, defined as those who have been farming (on their current farm) for less than 10 years.  The data forming the foundation of the report are from … Continue reading →

Posted in beginning farmers, census of agriculture, USDA | 1 Comment

more on certified organic farms

Posted on December 5, 2012 by admin

The organic regulation specifies that, once a year, the certifiers report the list of farms/handlers that are certified. The NOP publicizes this list of farms and handlers in a nifty searchable database, posted on the NOP’s website. As of January … Continue reading →

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quick thoughts on pests and chemicals

Posted on July 20, 2012 by admin

I read two fascinating articles this morning (both are historical pieces). The first (by Sawyer, 1990) discusses USDA research into biological pest control during the years between 1888 and 1951.  Not much headway was made into some pests, e.g., gypsy moths … Continue reading →

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